Accessibility

At a glance

The basics of accessibility around Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Scroll down for the detailed accessibility statement, visual story and sounds you may hear on site. If you'd rather speak to someone about your requirements, please call our Accessibility Hotline on 01704 891220 or contact us via text relay by calling 01704 892343.

Facilities and services

Cafe
Free water is available in the café as well as a microwave to heat up baby food, spare bowls and a bottle warmer. The café caters for different diets e.g. coeliac, gluten intolerance, nut allergies or other special dietary requirement can be accommodated, please call in advance on 01704 891220 if you would like to know what options are available. Access to the café is via automatic doors and we provide table service.

Parking
There are two large blue badge holder car parks catering for 25 vehicles outside the entrance. Car parking is free.

Sensory aids
We have both fixed and portable hearing loops in key locations around the building, large print menus and canoe safari health and safety briefing are available on request at the centre. We also have sensory bags available from the admissions desk. These require a £15 refundable deposit and include fidget toys, ear defenders, binoculars and bird tick lists.

Sign language
Our front of house staff have been trained with some very basic sign phrases to welcome you to our centre. We have one designated member of staff that is qualified to level 1 BSL to assist you with any needs you may have.

Toilets
There are four accessible toilets on site - in the café, on the nature trail by the Raines Observatory, by the play area and in the main building. The toilet in the main corridor of the building has a hoist and an adjustable height changing table for adult changing. This toilet does not have a hand dryer.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Free wheelchairs are available at the centre. There is a mobility scooter available to hire. A £10 non refundable deposit is required to secure the booking of the mobility scooter. This must be booked in advance - call 01704 891220 or email info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk.

Bits and bobs box
Just ask at our admissions desk if there is anything you need – from a sewing kit, cycle puncture kit, glasses kit, wipes, sanitary products to directions to the nearest electric charging point, our team are here to help.

Getting around

Paths
The paths around the waterfowl gardens are all paved and accessible with benches at regular intervals as resting points.

Nature trails and hides
The nature trail is fully paved. It is not a circular loop. Most of our hides have lower windows to allow for wheelchair users to view the wildlife and bird books to help with identification. Please see the accessibility Guide below for full details of all of the hides.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Free wheelchairs are available at the centre. There is a mobility scooter available to hire. A £10 non refundable deposit is required to secure the booking of the mobility scooter. This must be booked in advance - call 01704 891220 or email info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk.

Essential helpers

Carers
Carers can visit Martin Mere for free, and ride the guided boat tour free of charge.

Dogs
We welcome trained assistance dogs on site.

Activities

Boat tours and canoe safari
Boat tours run daily from 2 April to the end of September. The boat tours can accommodate 2 wheelchairs and carers are free to go on the tour. Tours start daily at 11am but we are able to book a boat tour in advance at 10.30am for a quieter session. Please email info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk for details. A large print health and safety briefing is available upon request for the canoe safari.

Morning explorers: relaxed times to visit
Morning explorers: relaxed times to visit – We would advise visiting Monday to Friday during term time when the centre is quieter. If you are visiting at the weekend we would recommend coming in between 9.30 and 11.30am as the centre becomes busier from 11am onwards.

Sensory bags
We have sensory bags available from the admissions desk. These require a £15 refundable deposit and include fidget toys, ear defenders, binoculars and bird tick lists.

Craft room
Cushioned trays are available for wheelchair users or anyone who would struggle to sit at a lower table.

Quiet times

Boat tours and canoe safari
Tours start daily at 11am but we are able to book a boat tour in advance at 10.30am for a quieter session. Please email info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk for details.

Morning explorers: relaxed times to visit
We would advise visiting Monday to Friday during term time when the centre is quieter. If you are visiting at the weekend we would recommend coming in between 9.30 and 11.30am as the centre becomes busier from 11am onwards.

Still have a question? Give us a call on 01704 891220 to discuss your needs. Or contact us via our dedicated text relay line by calling 01704 892343.

Read what visitor’s say about our accessibility facilities over at Euan’s Guide, or even leave us a review!